Dr Tracy Woodroffe reflects thoughtfully on a younger self who burned with a sense of urgency to get her research done and illuminates the often messy and non-linear nature of research. The chapter explores building a track record in the postdoctoral phase, and how to combine prior professional experience to build a new academic career. Along the way, Dr Woodroffe explains the unsettling professional identity challenge that accompanied the transition to an academic life after a successful and rewarding professional career. Dr Woodroffe also reminds us of the value of curiosity and trusting that pursuing what interests you will lead to somewhere interesting, even if it wasn’t what you intended. Finally, Dr Woodroffe offers some sage advice about the constant challenge to prioritise family life and balance academic work.